ALL NEWS

Share this story

Mary accompanies the dying

Mary prepares meals, and does laundry and household chores. Most important, she provides care and companionship to the dying.

PRAYER: Before I go to Mother Teresa House, I pray, “Jesus, please let me be your hands and feet and help me see you in everyone I meet.” Each day, I pray for guests here and I pray for those guests who have gone on to heaven. I hope everyone I have accompanied will pray for me when I am dying.

WITNESS: I always wear my Miraculous Medal and hope that the kindness and love I exhibit gives witness to what I believe. I think the quote, “Preach the Gospel always; if necessary use words” describes how I witness to my faith here.

ACCOMPANIMENT: I hope that my presence with guests brings the peace that comes from knowing they are not alone. During my shadow experience as part of orientation, I was encouraged to pray with a woman who was close to death. As I prayed the Rosary, her breathing became gradually slower, calmer and less frequent. I thought each breath would be her last. As I finished the Rosary and prayed the Hail Holy Queen, she took her last breath. I had thought I would be uncomfortable being with someone as they died. But when this happened, all I could think was, what an honor to be here and accompany someone on the way to heaven.

Connect

Subscribe

Enjoy inspiring witness stories, insightful advice for daily living, clear and accurate teaching about the Catholic faith, and news from around the world and across the Diocese of Lansing with FAITH, our award-winning publication. Subscribe for yourself, your family or a friend.